Designed for Submission (Devine Designs)

by Maggie Ryan

  ''Imagine the additional income,'' Nancy had said, as she showed Elizabeth some of her ideas. ''Couples come for a weekend or even longer. Perhaps they have forgotten some vital toy, or even a naughty implement to test out the soundproofing in their room. They find there is a wide variety available right in the hotel.'' She saw Elizabeth nodding and smiling, so she continued. ''Of course, the Dom sees some very sexy lingerie or cuffs or kinky jewelry as he picks out his tool of intimate torture. How is he going to be able to resist buying his sweet Sub a special token to remember their visit to Haven?''

  ''Okay, okay,'' Elizabeth had laughed, Nancy's words easily bringing the scenario to life. ''You may have your boutique and store, but…'' she warned, shaking her finger, ''you alone take responsibility for the design, purchasing and stocking. I've got far too much to do as it is.''

  Nancy eagerly agreed. ''Thanks, Liz,'' she said, hugging her partner. ''I know this is your dream, but I am so excited for you. I … I just want to feel I helped.''

  Elizabeth suddenly understood something about herself. Though it was her idea, a dream that she had worked on for years, it would mean absolutely nothing unless she shared it with people she loved. ''Nance, you've always had a part, and I will always need you,'' Elizabeth said, tears welling in her eyes. ''I would never think of building Haven without you.'' Nancy felt her own tears and the girls spent the next few minutes crying and hugging and then giggling. Elizabeth did make her last point. ''Just make sure you never, ever expect me to personally demo any of your wares!'' Nancy laughed but promised, her mind already making lists of what she would need. Another visit to Harry's was definitely on the schedule.

  Saturday evening, Elizabeth was ready just moments before her doorbell rang. She took a final glance in the mirror. She was wearing a black halter dress that was snug on top but had a skirt of many layers that flared out over her hips. It felt sexy as it swished around her legs, just above her knees. The front of the dress supported her breasts so well that she didn't need to wear a bra. The dress was held together with a clasp at the back of her neck, baring her entire back down to the swell of her hips. She wore her hair up, held by the clip Logan had given her. It looked sleek and beautiful, and allowed her neck to be bare. Around her neck she had put on a set of her grandmother's pearls. They were long enough to loop twice and lay just right, drawing the eye to her cleavage in a sexy, but not blatant, way. She wore stockings that she had clipped to a garter belt and a lacy pair of panties. She slipped her feet into black shoes that had red heels as well as red soles. She knew she was going to have aching feet before the night was over but absolutely loved the look.

  ''You look stunning,'' Logan said, when she unlocked and opened the door. Elizabeth thought he was the one that looked stunning. His tux fit him perfectly—his hair swept back, his blue eyes capturing hers just before he leaned close to kiss her. At that moment, she could have easily forgone the show just to stay exactly where she was. Logan loved her soft moan as he released her lips. He had a bag in his hand and walked to her kitchen. She tried to compose herself as she watched him take a bottle of champagne from the bag and put it into the refrigerator. She smiled, thinking they would enjoy it together after the show and perhaps do something wicked. He pulled a pint of strawberries from the bag and then a can of something.

  She recognized the ingredients and wrinkled her nose. ''You really spray that on strawberries?'' she asked, thinking that whipped cream in a can was a little out of character for the man in the tux.

  ''Who said anything about it being for the berries?'' he asked, and watched as recognition flooded her face with color.

  ''Oh,'' she said, one hand coming up to run along the strand of pearls. He closed the refrigerator and stepped around the small bar. ''I'd only change one thing,'' he said softly, as he gently took her hand in his and kissed her palm. She felt her body begin to react, her nipples hardening underneath the bodice of her dress. She remained silent as he readjusted the pearls until one loop was directly against her throat and the rest of the length hanging down her back. He ran his hand down her back as he reached for the shawl she had draped over the stool next to her evening bag. She shivered, feeling the shift of the pearls as they touched her skin.

  Logan smiled as he draped the red lace of the shawl over her shoulders. ''Ready?'' he asked, and she could only nod. He led her downstairs, and her heart almost stopped beating when she saw the long, black limo. Logan would have paid a million dollars for a photo of her face at that very moment. She turned to look up at him, her eyes soft and almost yearning. He smiled and placed one hand on her lower back as he opened the door. Elizabeth briefly closed her eyes as she tore her mind from the memory of the Limo Man. She turned and sat, sliding across the seat to make room for Logan to join her.

  ''You look beautiful, my dear,'' Benjamin said, from where he was seated across from her.

  ''Thank you, Sir,'' Elizabeth said, softly. ''Helen, you look fabulous.'' It was true. The older woman wore a dress of silver that shimmered and enhanced her figure. Her hair was also piled high, diamond earrings hanging from her ears. The diamonds of her collar were beautiful around her neck.

  ''Thank you, Elizabeth,'' Helen said, and then patted the arm of the woman seated next to her. ''This is our daughter, Ariel.'' Elizabeth could see the family resemblance in the woman. She was quite lovely, her dress also black, but of a different style than Elizabeth's. It was a sheath that hugged her body, accentuating her curves, and very sexy. She had auburn hair that was pulled up in a way that allowed soft tendrils to fall and frame her face.

  She looked at Elizabeth and smiled. ''It is very nice to meet you, Elizabeth. I love the work you've done on the house. The mosaic is stunning; I adore being a mermaid.''

  Elizabeth felt a sense of pride, and yet humbled. ''Thank you,'' she said, softly. ''It was all my pleasure.'' She turned slightly to address Garrett, who was seated on her other side. ''Good evening, Mr. Foster,'' she said, and saw him smile.

  ''Garrett is fine, Miss Adams,'' he said.

  ''Elizabeth, please,'' she said, and knew they had stepped across the line of formality into friendship. She was secretly thrilled to see him with Ariel and wondered if the play of youth had developed into the more serious play of adulthood. The drive to the theater didn't take long, and they were soon stepping from the limo. Logan allowed his parents to disembark first, before reaching in to take Elizabeth's hand. She slid out as gracefully as possible, standing on the sidewalk as Ariel and Garrett exited. They all turned to walk up the marble steps of the theater and Elizabeth saw each man place his hand exactly in the perfect position to both guide the women, as well as to make each feel connected. She was extremely aware of the heat of Logan's hand against her bare skin.

  Just before they entered the doors of the lobby, Logan bent down. ''We'll be dropping them off first,'' he whispered into her ear. Her step faltered, as his words told her that the two of them would be alone in the limo after all. She turned slightly to see him smile, and she knew his wicked games were beginning.

  They each had a glass of wine and mingled with other theater patrons as the lobby began to fill. The soft chiming of bells announced the play would soon begin. The group walked up the curving staircase to their reserved box. Once inside, Logan directed Garrett and his father to take the four seats at the front of the box. Helen hesitated as Benjamin nodded.

  ''Oh, Logan,'' Helen said, ''don't you want to sit in front? I'm sure Elizabeth would prefer the view.''

  ''The view is just perfect from back here, Mom,'' Logan said, his eyes drifting over Elizabeth. She felt herself blush and heard Benjamin chuckle.

  ''Sit down, Dear,'' Benjamin said, guiding his wife into a seat. As Elizabeth moved to take her seat, Logan removed the shawl and placed it in her lap. She looked up and met his eyes. The look in them made her swallow hard. He took his own seat and draped his arm across the back of her chair. She found herself wondering how long it would be before he touched her and then found herself w
orrying that he wouldn't.

  The lights dimmed, and the audience settled. Elizabeth saw Garrett take Ariel's hand in his and bend to brush her cheek lightly with his lips. Ariel gave a soft smile as she placed her head against his shoulder, and Elizabeth knew they were not on their first date. Benjamin had his arm around his wife. Elizabeth smiled and discovered she was incredibly pleased to be spending this evening with them all.

  The musical was wonderful. The audience laughed and clapped enthusiastically as the actors delivered a stellar performance. Elizabeth sat forward on the edge of her seat totally engrossed in the show. She felt goose bumps on her flesh and thought it was from the moving music but realized it was caused by a far more personal touch. Logan was running his fingers along the pearls, rolling and pressing each individual bead into the skin of her back. As he moved slowly up her back, she shivered. He reached her neck and allowed his hand to rest there, his fingers gently pressing against the pearls at her throat, one single finger gently stroking the back of her neck. It took every ounce of her strength not to moan aloud at the sensation, her nipples peaking instantly, as he slowly stroked her skin. He bent towards her to place his lips just behind her ear, kissing her so softly it was almost as if she'd imagined it. He straightened and spent the remainder of the first half of the show rolling each pearl down her back until he dropped his hand to rest just above the waistband of her skirt. Elizabeth felt a rush of arousal surge through her when just a single fingertip dipped under the waistband to stroke at the base of her spine. Every cell in her body was alert, every molecule wishing for his hands to truly claim her, instead of these teasing, unbelievably erotic, feather-touches.

  As the lights came up and people began to stir for intermission, Elizabeth found she had to concentrate to be able to stand. Logan smiled, as if he hadn't been touching her, as he took the shawl and once more draped it across her shoulders. They stepped from the box and joined the others. ''We brave men will fight the crowds for refreshment,'' Benjamin said to the women. ''Stay together at all times, freshen up if you need, and we shall meet you at the same table we had before.''

  The three women answered as one, ''Yes, Sir,'' and then smiled at each other. The women turned away, but Elizabeth stopped when she felt an arm slip around her waist. She turned back to see Logan. He bent close, and she flushed, thinking he was about to kiss her, but he simply spoke into her ear. ''Red or white?'' he asked softly.

  She was confused for a moment and then smiled, thinking he was asking what sort of wine she wanted. ''White,'' she said. He straightened, and she felt his hand slide from her waist to rest gently on the swell of her bottom.

  ''Hmm, I would have guessed red,'' he said, before stepping away. Elizabeth's heart beat faster, as she watched him join the other men. She wanted to run after him.

  She jumped a bit as she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to see Ariel. ''Don't you just love sexy men?'' she asked, with a smile.

  Elizabeth nodded and then giggled when Helen spoke. ''Wicked men is more like it,'' she said, her own eyes following the men, as they disappeared down the stairs. The three laughed and then linked arms as they went to join the line of women already forming outside the ladies' lounge.

  Helen offered to hold Elizabeth's shawl as she freshened her make-up. She ran her fingers across the lace. ''Did you make this?'' she asked, and Elizabeth nodded.

  ''It is beautiful,'' Ariel said, also touching the lace. ''It is so delicate and yet just the right weight to give warmth.''

  ''Thank you,'' Elizabeth said, as they went to join the men. ''I find knitting is very relaxing. I can let my hands do their thing even if my mind is going ninety miles an hour thinking about other things.'' The other women nodded in understanding, knowing that Elizabeth was an extremely talented and creative woman.

  When they joined the men, their drinks were waiting. The line had been long, so the chance to chat about the play was shortened. They finished their drinks and returned to their seats for the second half of the show. Elizabeth waited in expectation for Logan to return to his own play, but he simply reached over and took her hand into his, once more slowly and deliberately entwining their fingers. She sighed at the sensual way he treated such a simple gesture and laid her head against his arm. The musical ended to thunderous applause, audience members standing to give the performers a much-deserved standing ovation.

  ''That was incredible,'' Elizabeth said, as they joined the throngs of people leaving the theater. ''Thank you for inviting me,'' she said, beaming up at Logan.

  He smiled and nodded. ''I'm glad you enjoyed it, Schatzlein,'' he said. ''It just proves that wickedness can be highly entertaining in its many possibilities.'' He adored the flush that colored her cheeks as he bent to give her a gentle kiss.

  Benjamin smiled down at his own wife, before nodding. ''Yes, it is always a delight to share such a magical evening with people you love,'' he said, kissing his wife's cheek as they waited for the limo. Garrett had both arms wrapped around Ariel as she stood and leaned back against him.

  The evening continued, as they stopped to eat at a twenty-four-hour restaurant. It was filled with elegantly dressed people who had stopped in after the theater, as well as people wearing simple jeans and T-shirts. It was fun to see the large variety. Elizabeth had eaten at Katz's before and knew the huge portions they served. All three women decided to split a single sandwich knowing it would be enough. Elizabeth smiled, thinking of the strawberries Logan had placed in her refrigerator. She flushed, thinking of the whipping cream, looking up to see Logan's eyes on her. His knowing grin almost made her moan. The anticipation that had been building from the moment of Logan's arrival at her apartment was growing with every moment. Elizabeth feared it would soon ignite and consume her but trusted that Logan would be able to control the flames that he was stoking hotter with every glance, every touch.

  They pulled up to Benjamin's home and all climbed out of the limo to say their good-byes. Ariel and Garrett had stopped there before the evening began, so that mother and daughter could spend an hour together while they dressed for the theater. They all hugged goodbye, promising to get together again. Elizabeth smiled, realizing that she had really had a wonderful time as she stood outside the limo, waving until the others disappeared inside the house. When Logan slid his hand to her back, she shivered, all thoughts of anyone other than the two of them melting away. As they turned back to the car, her step faltered again. Logan had been the one to open and close the door before. However, this time, the driver was standing by the open door of the car. Every detail of the incident bloomed into her mind followed by every intimate detail of her own fantasy. She hesitated for only a moment before allowing Logan to lead her to the door wondering if he would command her to wait. Logan smiled as he watched her. Though she had told him she had fantasized about that evening, she had not shared any details for which he was grateful. He fully intended to make this her own memory—their own memory.

  Chapter 14

  She turned and once more slid into the car. Logan followed and took a seat directly across from her. Elizabeth wasn't even aware of the door closing or the driver returning to his own seat. Her eyes were locked on Logan's.

  He smiled and waited until the car began to move before speaking. ''It's time to see if someone was fibbing,'' he said, cryptically. Her eyes showed her confusion, as her mind tore itself away from waiting to hear him direct her to her knees. She smiled and let her fantasy go, as reality took its place.

  Logan leaned forward, his hands dropping to either side of her hips. ''I believe you said white,'' he said softly. ''I am still betting on red.'' She didn't speak, not understanding his words. He leaned closer and kissed her softly, the only part of him touching her were his lips. She moaned as he pressed his lips harder, her body arousing more every second.

  He broke away, keeping his eyes locked on hers. ''Take off your panties,'' he said. Her eyes widened for a heartbeat as she watched him sit back against his seat. The words had been given so
ftly yet each one resonated with the undeniable sense of an order he fully expected to be obeyed. Elizabeth shivered and then smiled, as she finally understood. Her hands lifted to slide under her skirt. Logan watched as she lifted her hips off the seat to slip her panties off. She moved slowly and smiled when she saw his eyes drop to the hem of her dress, knowing he was waiting to see the color of her panties. When the first glimpse came into view, he smiled. Elizabeth blushed at the look in his eyes when he returned them to hers.

  ''Do you know what happens to naughty little girls that tell fibs?'' he asked, his lips curved into a smile. Her heart stopped, but she slowly nodded. His eyebrow quirked and she remembered his rule about clarity.

  ''They … they get spanked, S … Sir,'' she whispered. He nodded and again bent forward. He placed his hands over hers where they were frozen in removing her underwear. She allowed him to remove her own hands and shivered as he continued to draw her panties down her legs. She lifted each foot as he slipped her panties over each one. He held them in his hand before sitting back once more. Her eyes were riveted on the tiny red lace thong she had worn under her dress. Logan's smile and the look in his eyes caused her sex to pulse, sharply reminding her she was now totally bare underneath her dress.

  He slid the scrap of lace into his pocket and then held out one hand. She took it and when he gave a gentle pull, she allowed him to pull her forward. He guided her across his lap, her torso lying against the seat on one side, her legs lifted to lie against the seat on the other. She shuddered and lifted her head to look at him. She turned to look towards the front of the car before her eyes returned to his, a silent question formed in their depths. Logan smiled and shook his head slowly, informing her there would be no divider rising to seal them in privacy. He didn't speak, and simply waited for her to accept his dominance of the scene. She nodded her acceptance and lay her head down, her eyes towards the back of the seat. She felt his hand run over her bottom and stifled a moan, when, after a brief moment, she felt the fabric of her dress being lifted.